Thousands meet to rally in support of general strike

With music blaring in the background, the Interfaith Coalition began rally with a moment of reflection and prayer. Photo by Amina Waheed.

Protesters in support of Occupy Oakland blared rallying messages from a flatbed truck sound system Wednesday morning, as a crowd of more than 1,000 people began gathering downtown at the intersection of 14th and Broadway. The 9 am rally was the first of three scheduled to take place throughout the day, with others at noon and 5 pm, for an action the organizers have been calling an Oakland general strike.